Page 133 of King of Pride

“I’ll eat later.”

He gently but impatiently removed her hand and hurried toward the bathroom, dragging the IV stand behind him.

Maria could only stare after him with exasperation.

Within a short while, Ivan returned looking as presentable as he could manage. He climbed back into bed and immediately turned his attention toward the door.

He waited.

Every time footsteps passed outside his room, his heart jumped. Each time, he expected Rose to appear.

One hour passed.

Then two.

Then three.

Still, there was no sign of her.

His anticipation slowly turned into uneasiness. He kept glancing at the door, his fingers tightening against the blanket as doubt began creeping into his mind.

What if she wasn't coming?

Maria and Terrence had eventually left the room to deal with his medication and hospital bill, leaving Ivan alone with his thoughts.

By the fourth hour, his impatience had become almost unbearable.

Then he heard footsteps approaching.

Ivan's entire body went still.

He quickly closed his eyes and settled back against the pillow, pretending to be asleep.

The footsteps entered the room.

They drew closer.

His heart pounded so hard that he was certain whoever had come would be able to hear it.

A hand gently touched his forehead before sliding down to his cheek and then resting briefly against his neck. A chair scraped softly against the floor as someone pulled it closer to the bed.

A foolish smile almost tugged at Ivan's lips.

‘I knew she cared. Of course she came. She couldn't possibly stop loving me overnight.’

His heart raced as he lay there, waiting for Rose to speak.

When the hand finally began to pull away, Ivan couldn't hold himself back any longer. His eyes flew open, and he reached out, catching the woman's hand before she could move.

“You came,” he breathed, his voice filled with relief.

He pressed her hand against his chest as he looked up at her.

Then he froze.

A familiar, seductive voice answered him.

“Ivan, it's me, Jessica.”